RPM, or Rate Per Mile, is the most common way trucking rates are expressed and compared — the total amount paid for a load divided by the total miles driven to complete it. RPM can be quoted a few different ways that are important not to confuse: "linehaul RPM" (just the base rate divided by loaded miles), "all-in RPM" (including fuel surcharges and other accessorials), and "practical RPM" (revenue divided by total miles including deadhead, which gives a more honest picture of what a truck actually earned per mile it drove, paid or not). Average RPM varies significantly by equipment type, lane, region, freight market conditions, and time of year — reefer and flatbed typically command higher RPMs than dry van due to specialized equipment and handling, and rates fluctuate with freight demand and fuel prices across the board. Carriers and owner-operators use RPM benchmarks to evaluate whether a specific load offer is worth accepting relative to current market rates for that lane and equipment type, and RPM trends are one of the most-watched indicators of overall freight market health.
A dry van rate of $2.14/mile in Texas might be competitive on one lane but below market on another, depending on regional freight demand at the time.
Shown as 'Avg RPM' in the Rate & Fuel sidebar card, by equipment type and state, on every carrier profile.